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In need of some Amplifier advice. Is therereally any point in it with my current setup?

Hello. I have posted in the past, but have since learned a little bit more from reading audio forums, and doing some research and have come to somewhat of a juncture. 

I figure I could "stair step" up on my own and enjoy the ride, or, ask those who have most likely been where i am before and skip a few steps =). 

My current setup consists of a Yamaha adventage-A3070 AV receiver (150wattsx8ohms 2chd), and 2 Polk LSIM707 towers. 

I've been looking at used Classe amps here on audiogon, or possibly a new parasound Halo A21 power aplifier,  and have thought about purchasing them. 

My question is, would my Yamaha advantage 3070 even be a sufficient pre-amp? It has pre-outs for all channels, and it also has an ess sabre DAC for my digital flac files. Or would using the Yamaha as a pre completely destroy the sound of the power amplifier? Essentially wasting $1,000-$3,000. 

My other question is pretty obvious. Should I trade up, just spend the $1,000-$3,000 on better set of speakers I've been eye balling like  the EMT-LFT8s, and stick with the Yamaha receiver's power for now. 

If it were you. What would you do? 


moskaudio
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,816 posts
 

The ET (Eminent Technology) LFT-8b does indeed far exceed the sound quality of any Polk I've ever heard (they're all over SoCal). It's good enough to lead VPI's Harry Weisfeld to proclaim the speaker to have the best midrange of any speaker he has ever heard.

A post above stated as fact that the ET needs a lot of power, which is an overstatement. It's sensitivity spec may lead one to form that presumption, but in practice is not particularly true. The LFT-8b does not require the power the other magnetic-planar speaker, the Magneplanar, does, for instance. I have both ET's and Maggies, and they are as different as they are similar. The LFT-8b is an easy 8 ohm load, your 15ow/ch amp will be fine until you can do better. The ET can even be run with a modestly-powered tube amp, as I do (100w/ch), which is not true of Maggies.

audiothesis
168 posts
 
I don't doubt that bdp, but mrdecibel's points are just some of the questions I wanted to ask.  While the ET might sound better with proper placement, without the right space/setup abilities, you're going to get worse sound.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,816 posts
 

Yup audiothesis, it’s all good! Newer enthusiasts are commonly scared off by warnings from more experienced ones, causing them to over-think things. That commonly involves the amplifier/loudspeaker pairing. But anyone contemplating ANY planar should understand they MUST have space behind them---the more the better, but hopefully at least five feet. Three is commonly quoted, but that ignores the 10ms "rule": the rear wave of a planar speaker needs to reach the listeners ears at least 10ms after the sound from the speaker’s front wave. Sound travels at approximately 1’/ms, so 5’ to the wall behind the speakers and 5’ back to the plane of the speakers creates the required 10ms delay. The ear/brain can then process the sounds as separate, rather than the rear wave as a smearing of the front wave.

moskaudio, do you have the 5’? If not, the ET, or any other planar, is probably not appropriate for your room.

gasbose's avatar
gasbose
82 posts
 
I'm not familiar with the Polk (or ET) speakers, but I totally agree with gdnrbob; put your money into speakers first. Then look at amps, pre-amps, etc. And yes, as he says, look for the speakers that 'sing' to you.

You're at the beginning of a search that should be a lot of fun. Enjoy!!

Gasbose


soix
9,571 posts
 
To answer one of your initial questions, if 2-channel is at all important to you the receiver needs to go.  All of it.  Forever.  End of story.  Then, as others have said, find the speakers that really blow you away and then find the power amp and preamplifier (or a good stereo integrated) that work best with them.  When auditioning speakers don't overthink it and just let them come to you.  When you hear the right ones you'll know because you'll stop thinking about individual aspects of sound (or other speakers) and just be thrilled with every part of what you're hearing.  Last piece of advice -- do NOT underestimate the role of the preamplifier in the ultimate performance of your system.  It is at least as (if not more) important as an amp.  Take your time and enjoy the journey. 

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